A complete guide to movie theaters, art cinemas & cultural screenings
Florianópolis might be best known for its beaches, surf, and outdoor lifestyle, but it also has a surprisingly strong movie scene. From modern multiplexes with Dolby Atmos sound to independent art-house theaters, open-air screenings, and university cine clubs, the city offers plenty of options for a relaxed night out, rainy days, or long-stay living.
This guide covers all major cinemas in Florianópolis and the surrounding area providing helpful information and links, so that you can plan a movie night in Floripa easily.
Ready for a night at the movies?
Cinema Culture in Florianópolis
Ask people here what a popular activity to do with friends is, and you’ll hear ‘go to the movies’ quite a lot. Many Brazilians learn their English from movies and music and with a lot of films in english with Brazilain Portugese subtitles and state of the art movie theatres seamingly all over the place, you can see why.
Florianópolis’ movie theaters fall into two main categories:
- Commercial multiplex cinemas mostly located in shopping malls, showing international releases, Brazilian films, and family movies. These are the most popular, busiest and largest cinemas.
- Independent and cultural cinemas focused on art films, documentaries, festivals, and community screenings. These tend to attract a more specific crowd and are much smaller venues.
Most cinemas are located in Centro, Santa Mônica, Saco Grande, Rio Tavares, and along the SC-401 corridor, making them easy to reach by Uber or car from Lagoa da Conceição, Campeche, and central neighborhoods.
💡 Tip for visitors: Many cinemas show films dubbed into Portuguese. Look for sessions marked “legendado” or “Leg” which means it is subtitled in Portugese with original audio.
Cinemas in Florianópolis
Cineshow – Beiramar Shopping
Location: Beiramar Shopping, Centro
Address: Beiramar Shopping – R. Bocaiúva, 2468 – 1002 – Centro, Florianópolis – SC, 88015-530
Phone: (48) 3212-4600
Website:https://www.cineshow.com.br/
Best for: Central location, good value, quick access after dinner
Cineshow at Beiramar Shopping is one of the most popular cinemas in central Florianópolis. It’s easy to reach from Centro, Trindade, and even the northern beaches, and is often quieter during weekdays.
Located on Level 4 of the shopping mall, it has 5 screens all with 4k projectors and premium sound. 1 of the screens is their “Gold Sala” which is the VIP experience, where you will find yourself lounging in extremely comfortable electric reclining seats and more space.
- Comfortable seating and good sound quality
- Regular international releases
- Discount days (usually Mondays or Tuesdays)
- Easy to combine with dinner along Avenida Beira-Mar Norte
Cinesystem – Villa Romana Shopping
Location: Villa Romana Shopping, Santa Mônica
Address: Av. Me. Benvenuta, 687 – Loja 32 – Santa Monica, Florianópolis – SC, 88035-000
Website: https://www.cinesystem.com.br/cinemas/villa-romana-shopping/437
Best for: Premium screens, Dolby Atmos, newest releases
This is one of the best-equipped cinemas on the island. Cinesystem at Villa Romana offers multiple screen formats, including premium rooms and Dolby Atmos, making it a top choice for blockbuster releases.
The screens here are huge at 180m2 and the rooms are equipmed with Dolby® Atmos™ sound systems. They also have offer cultural programming such as Cine Azul (for autistic people) and Cinematerna (for parents with babies) where they change the lighting and sound to make it more comfortable and suitable, as well as projects like Domingo com Teatro, Sunday with Theater, that offers free presentatuions theatricals.
Cinemark – Floripa Shopping
Location: SC-401, Saco Grande
Best for: Familiar international chain experience
Cinemark is a known quantity for international travelers. Located near the SC-401 business corridor, it’s convenient if you’re staying in the north of the island or near tech hubs.
- Consistent quality and seating
- Regular English-language releases (check subtitles)
- Easy parking and mall access
CineMulti – Multi Open Shopping
Location: Rio Tavares
Best for: Smaller crowds, relaxed neighborhood vibe
CineMulti is a smaller, more intimate cinema located in Rio Tavares, a neighborhood popular with surfers and long-stay visitors.
- Cozy atmosphere
- Mix of commercial, European, and independent films
- Easy to combine with restaurants and bars nearby
Cinépolis – Continente Shopping
Location: São José
Address: BR 101 Highway KM 210, São José, SC 88104-801
Website:https://www.cinepolis.com.br/complexos/f0528-cinepolis-continente-shopping/
According to locals, Cinépolis is THE best cinema in Florianópolis. It is one of the most modern cinema complexes in the region, featuring VIP rooms and premium sound and projection.
The VIP rooms have almost lay flat reclining chairs, waiter service offering burgers, popcorn and drinks, and a special menu. Tak about comfort.
Add this to 2-for-1 ticket thursdays, free tickets during your birthday month, 3D screens, and the Cinepolis club perks, its easy to see why this is one of the best around.
Multicine – Shopping Itaguaçu
A mid-size cinema option with a mix of Brazilian and international films.
- Multiple screens
- Family-friendly programming
- Convenient for mainland stays
Arcoplex – ViaCatarina Shopping
A straightforward multiplex serving the southern mainland.
- Focus on major commercial releases
- Easy parking and access
- Good option if staying in Palhoça
Independent & Art-House Cinemas
Florianópolis has a strong alternative cinema scene, supported by cultural institutions and the local university.
Paradigma CineArte
Location: Santa Antônio de Lisboa
Address: Sto Rod. José Carlos Daux, SC-401, n° 8600 – Room 2 – Block 8 – Santo Antonio de Lisboa, Florianópolis – SC, 88050-001
Phone: (48) 3239-7777
Website: https://www.paradigmacinearte.com/
Best for: Art films, documentaries, European cinema
Paradigma CineArte is the Floripa’s most established art-house cinema. It regularly screens award-winning international films, documentaries, and curated festivals.
- European and independent films
- Film discussions and special sessions
- Located near Santo Antônio de Lisboa — great to combine with dinner by the sea
Integrated Cultural Center (CIC) – Gilberto Gerlach Cinema
A cultural venue operated by the state, known for curated programming, festivals, and special screenings.
- Art films and Brazilian cinema
- Film festivals and cultural events
- One of the most respected screening spaces on the island
Cine Paredão (UFSC – Federal University of Santa Catarina)
Best for: Outdoor cinema, community vibe
Cine Paredão hosts free outdoor screenings on the UFSC campus, usually on Friday nights.
- Open-air cinema experience
- Independent and cult films
- Popular with students, locals, and long-stay visitors
UFSC Film Department Screening Rooms
The university’s cinema department regularly hosts screenings open to the public.
- Experimental, academic, and independent films
- A glimpse into Florianópolis’ creative and student culture
- Usually free or very low cost
Do Cinemas in Florianópolis Have Movies in English?
While you have probably got the basics of the Portuguese language down like, “bom dia”, and “obrigado”, getting through an entire movie in Portuguese might be a bit of a waste of time if you dont speak fluently.
Luckily most major cinemas here have screenings in English with Portugese subtitles aswell as full audio dubbed showings.
When booking, look for showings that are maked “legendado” or “Leg”. This means the film is in original audio and has portuguese subtitles.
When Going to the Movies in Florianópolis
Language:
- Look for legendado sessions for original audio
- Dubbed films (dublado) are common for major releases
Tickets:
- Prices are generally lower than in Europe or the US
- Discount days are common
- Half-price tickets may apply for students, seniors, or local promotions
Best days to go:
- Weekdays are quieter
- Rainy days and weekends are busiest
Is Going to the Cinema Worth It as a Visitor?
Absolutely, especially if you’re staying more than a few days.
Cinemas are a great option when:
- The weather turns rainy
- You want a relaxed evening
- You’re traveling with kids
- You’re living in Florianópolis short- or long-term
They also offer a small but genuine window into local culture beyond beaches and nightlife.
Cinemas in Florianópolis – Quick Reference
| Cinema | Area | Type |
| Cineshow Beiramar | Centro | Commercial |
| Cinesystem Villa Romana | Santa Mônica | Commercial / Premium |
| Cinemark Floripa Shopping | Saco Grande | Commercial |
| CineMulti | Rio Tavares | Commercial / Indie mix |
| Cinépolis Continente | São José | Premium |
| Paradigma CineArte | Santo Antônio | Art-house |
| CIC Cinema | Agronômica | Cultural |
| Cine Paredão | UFSC | Outdoor / Community |
Final Thoughts
Florianópolis may be an outdoor-first destination, but its cinema scene adds another layer to island life. Whether you’re here for a week or several months, movie theaters offer an easy, affordable way to slow down, escape the weather, or experience the city from a different angle.
This is one of those “quiet infrastructure” experiences that make Florianópolis feel more livable, not just visitable.
